Is Head Lice Dangerous?

By Author: M. Gordon.
Total Articles: 6
Comment this article

Head lice are a pervasive problem in the United States. Head lice are estimated to effect 6 to 12 million people each year, most of whom are children between the ages of 4 to 11.

Head lice are a pervasive problem in the United States. Head lice are estimated to effect 6 to 12 million people each year, most of whom are children between the ages of 4 to 11. Head lice are commonly spread in environments such as school, day cares and camps where children are in close proximity to each other. Head lice is spread through close contact. Many people falsely believe that lice are most commonly passed on through helmets and shared cubbies at school. While it is possible to get lice this way, 99% of lice are spread through head-to-head contact.

Although head lice is a huge nuisance and can cause discomfort such as an itchy scalp and rash, it is otherwise totally harmless. Head lice do not spread disease or cause illness. If a child persists at scratching, open sores may occur and become infected. Lice tend to bite (draw blood for survival) at the nape and behind the ears. This is the place where rashes may occur. Sores and ...
... rashes should be treated with an antibiotic lotion. Tea tree oil can also soothe irritated skin.

What kills lice? Thankfully, there are very effective natural options for the treatment of lice. The best shampoo for head lice is all natural and does not contain pesticide poisons— which can be harmful, especially to small children. An effective shampoo for lice will contain enzymes that break down the hard shell of the bug and kill it. Essential oils such as tea tree and peppermint oil are also effective at stunning, smothering and repelling lice.

Olive oil can also be used to smother live lice, although it must be saturated into the hair and left on for at least eight hours. If you decide to use a lice spray, please do not use sprays containing pesticide poisons! Look for an essential oil based natural lice spray.

There are many harmful lice shampoo options on the market as well. It would best to avoid these products even if they are more readily available. Some may falsely believe that “the stronger the better”. When, in fact, these harsh chemicals may be ineffective due to a resistance built up in the insect due to over exposure. Read the labels carefully. If the lice treatment product you are considering contains Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, Malathion, Permethrin or Lindane please put it back on the shelf!

If your child is found to have head lice, be sure to research natural lice cure. Treatment of lice can be overwhelming, but there is no need for the knee-jerk reaction of purchasing over-the-counter products that may harm you child. Head lice are not dangerous, but the shampoo for lice that you choose may be.
Resource: http://www.happyheadsproducts.com/